Thie episode is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and it features: Coach Dan Diamond of Jersey CHS Girls Tennis; Coach Cody Markle of Alton HS Football; and Coach Me'Ashah Franklin of Belleville West HS Girls Volleyball.

The show kicks off with Jersey tennis coach Dan Diamond. Coach Diamond is excited about the current season, and he explains how much he loves teaching the game to the kids in his community. He and host, David Lipe, also preview the Metro East's top 1A tennis players.

Next up, Alton HS football Head Coach Cody Markle loves his community, his school, and his program. You can feel the love, as Markle talks about the many things going right for the Redbirds as they get ready to take on defending 1A state champs, Althoff, on Friday night in Belleville. Kevin Pawlow joins the show for the for the first installment of "KP's Football Corner," in which he previews the upcoming teams to watch and the big games to keep an eye on in week 1. Stay tuned each week for a review of the previous week's games, a preview of the upcoming game, weekly rankings, and interviews with the area's top players and coaches.

Round out the show we are joined by the ebullient Me'Ashah Franklin, Head Girls Volleyball Coach at Belleville West HS. Franklin is back to speak about her high-energy style, her team's tough schedule, which opens tomorrow against Mascoutah, and the "scrappy" personality of her Maroons. She and Dave also preview the local teams to "keep an eye on" this fall on the volleyball court.

This episode is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and it features "The King of 618 Pickleball" Bob Biarkis, XC Coaches Jake Peal, Joe Shannon, and George Patrylak; and, former football coach and current official, Craig Colbert.

This episode begins with the "King of 618 Pickleball," Bob Biarkis, who shares his immense passion for the game. Biarkis explains how he got into the sport, what he loves about it, and he delves into the various pickleball projects with which he is involved including "Pickleballpalooza."

Next up, we provide a comprehensive Metro East high school cross country preview with coaches Joe Shannon (Father McGivney), George Patrylak, (Edwardsville HS), and Jake Peal (Civic Memorial). The "3 Wisemen of Cross Country" preview their squads, and they took a look at the other local players and teams to watch in all three classifications.

Finally, we share the studio with former Edwardsville HS Assistant Football Coach Craig Colbert, who details his coaching journey from Peoria to EHS, and he talks about his favorite moments during his over 30 years coaching. Colbert also shares his experiences as a football official.

Little Caesars Pizza presents this episode, and it features Calla Espenschied of Waterloo HS Cross-Country, Track, and Basketball; and, Mascoutah Girls Bowling Coach Derek Crain with team members Lily Herman, Blue Herman, Julia Henderson, Raegan Ewers, Emily Blanchard, and Alanna Johnston.

Calla Espenschied's name has been mispronounced more ways than she can count, but she has learned to "just go with it" while she focuses on her busy career as a senior at Waterloo HS. Espenschied is a star on the cross-country course, the basketball court, and the track, and in this conversation she explains how positive self-talk enabled her to run a 30-second PR at the state meet. She also discusses her interest in sports jounalism as the latest intern at the MESP.

Next up, we meet with our biggest group ever, 7 members of the Mascoutah Girls Bowling Team including Coach Crain and team members Lily Herman, Blue Herman, Julia Henderson, Raegan Ewers, Emily Blanchard, and Alanna Johnston. The girls discuss what they love about the sport and what people often misunderstand about it. Coach Crain shares his thoughts on the dedication necessary to succeed in the sport, and the girls share each girl's "personal strike cheer."

Episode 6.24 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza and features Chris Eddy of the Metro East Golf Academy and O'Fallon THS Girls Golf; Kyle Kang of Stanford Univsersity, singles and doubles champion of the 2025 Edwardsville Futures; and Dr. Arthur Langston of Integrity Spine and Joint Center.

Chris Eddy, founder of the Metro East Golf Academy, is attracting 100's of kids to the game of golf. In this interview he outlines the great things going on at his academy this summer. Then, he previews the upcoming girls high school golf season for teams and individuals in the Metro East this fall.

Next, we hear remotely from Stanford Mens Tennis star Kyle Kang, who just won the Edwardsville Futures Pro Circuit event in both singles and doubles. Kang discusses his ability to stay focused during matches, and the subtle support his gets from his mom during competitions. He also delves into what makes the tournament in Edwardsville unique.

Last, we meet with Dr. Arthur Langston of Integrity Spine and Joint Center. Dr. Langston provides 10 important tips for coaches, parents, and athletes themseleves to stay healthy this year.

This episode is presented by Little Caesars Pizza!

Episode 6.23 features: Coach Alonzo Nelson with Troy McLean and Jalyn Cole of Belleville West Track & Field; Coach Derrick Brown and Brady Kaufmann of SIUE Golf; and, Edwardsville Tennis Academy 10 & Under Superstars Sadie Shenefield, Nora Youngman, and Lucy McMahan.

This episode begins with Belleville West Track & Field HC Alonzo Nelson, who is in the studio to be recognized as the MESPY winners for 3A Team of the Year following the Maroons' 3rd place finish at state. Nelson, who was also recognized as the Teacher of the Year, explains his "do the math" coaching style, which encourages kids to figure out how to solve problems. He is joined by state champions Jalyn Cole (110-meter hurdles) and Troy McLean (400 meters). Cole recalls a "life-changing" conversation with Coach Nelson that kept him from quitting; McLean talks about the challenges of repeating as state champion. McLean and Cole are also recognized as co-MESPY winners for 3A Track Athletes of the Year.

Up next, we are joined by SIUE Golf Coach Derrick Brown, who is joined by his top player, Brady Kaufmann, a rising senior. Brown discusses his recruiting philosophy and what he considers essential to the process of attracting successful players. Kaufman explains why he chose SIUE, and he describes his strengths as an athlete.

Finally, we recognize our Integrity Spine and Joint Center Team of the Month, the 10U Edwardsville Tennis Academy Jr. Team Tennis Team coached by Emily Cimarolli. The team is represented by Sadie Shenefield, Nora Youngman, and Lucy McMahan in the studio. The girls explain what they like about playing JTT, the sport of tennis, and their coach! They also give some encouragement to kids who might be considering trying the sport, and they talk about their upcoming transition to the green ball.

This episode is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! 6.22 features Lindsey Laird of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, Norah Gum of Missouri S & T Women's Basketball, and Coach Justin Judiscak and Allie Tredway of O'Fallon THS Girls Soccer.

Laird of Great Rivers & Routes kicks off the show, and she fills us in on the important and growing field of sports tourism in the Metro East. From boat racing on the Mississippi to professional tennis and youth sports, she discusses the significant impact of sports tourism in the area.

Next up, former Waterloo Bulldog basketball and soccer star Norah Gum is continuing her hoops career at Missouri S & T. Gum describes the transition from high school to college, and she shares her excitement on being selected to represent the USA in an upcoming trip to Brazil. Gum describes the process of being selected on the D2 National Team and the details of the upcoming trip.

Completing the show, we are joined by Coach Justin Judiscak and Allie Tredway of O'Fallon Girls Soccer, which recently earned the MESPY for 3A Team of the Year with their remarkable state-championship season. Judiscak outlines his general coaching philosophy and the "secrets" to their success: hard work, talent, and character development. Tredway, who led the team in scoring this year, talks about her plans for next year and scoring the state-winning goal.

This episode is presented by Little Caesars Pizza! Episode 6.21 features Mike Suhre of Oak Brook Golf Club, Addie Baldus of O'Fallon Girls Soccer, and Marie Kaman of Edwardsville HS Field Hockey.

Mike Suhre is a third-generation owner of Oak Brook Golf Club just outside of Edwardsville. Suhre explains his love for working with kids, and he highlights the upcoming 49th Annual Wilbur Suhre Open, which is a living memorial to his late grandfather. Suhre also describes his latest venture, writing a column for the Edwardsville Intelligencer.

Up next, we are joined by the MESPY winner for 3A Player of the Year, Addie Baldus, center back on the state champion OTHS Girls Soccer Team, which outscored opponents an incredible 101-6 along the way to their second state championship in the last 3 years. Baldus, a Michigan State University commit, discusses why she chose MSU, her emotions when her team won state this year, and the things that made this team so successful.

Rounding out the show, Marie Kaman of Edwardsville HS is the MESPY winner for Field Hockey Player of the Year. Kaman, who was 9th in the STL area for scoring, talks about what she loves about the sport, her "favorite goal of her career," and how she was able to overcome a tough knee injury sustained during her junior year. Kaman, a host of the Jungle, the official sports podcast of EHS, describes her experience throughout her two years in that role, and she gives some advice for high school kids who are considering trying podcasting.

Episode 6.20 is presented by Little Caesars Pizza, and it features 4 fierce female athletes and one inspiring coach.

The episode kicks off with Triad soccer stars Alina Ayran and Emma Correale. The two seniors and McKendree commits recall their memories from their MESPY-winning season, including their tough Supersectional loss to Springfield. The girls describe the culture of Knight soccer, share their motivation for choosing McKendree, and describe playing for Coach Bettlach.

Then, we welcome SIUE Women's Basketball Assistant Coach Tierney Lockett, who is joined by freshman recruits Kiyoko Proctor and Lauren Miller. Lockett discusses the emphasis on "consistency," which she believes is the most important thing to teach the young players on the team, and she discusses her role on "Coach Sam's" staff. Proctor, the Alton HS recent graduate, updates listeners on the academic and athletic transition from AHS to SIUE. Miller, from Camp Point, Illinois, talks about the change from playing three sports at a small school to joining the Cougars. Both players share their expectations for the season along with their motivation for choosing SIUE.

Little Caesar's Pizza presents this episode, and it features Nicole Johnson of Middle Tennessee State University Women's Golf; Coach Jeff Guidry, Drew Winslow, and Tyler Thompson of Triad Boys Basketball; and Hassani Elliott and Kobe Taylor of Alton HS Boys Basketball.

The show begins with former Illinois state golf champion Nicole Johnson, who just completed her sophomore year at Middle Tennessee State University. Johnson describes her improvement throughout her first two years of college and discusses the strength and conditioning her team undergoes.

Next, we present the MESPY for the 3A Boys Basketball Team of the Year to Coach Jeff Guidry of Triad High School. Guidry is joined in the studio by rising senior Tyler Thompson and Oklahoma State baseball commit, Drew Winslow. Thompson and Winslow recount their highlights from the past season, and they describe the character and attitude of the team. Guidry remarks on Winslow's place in the history of THS sports and where he thinks Thompson might end up.

Wrapping up the show, we recognize the 4A Boys Basketball Team of the Year, the Alton Redbirds. Hassani Elliott and Kobe Taylor describe the massive improvement from their freshman year to their senior season under the tutelage of Coach Dudley. The boys describe the "trust and respect," which are cornerstones to the team's culture and at the center of their success.

This episode is presented by Little Caesars Pizza!

"Hoops Heroes of Today and Yesterday" features Coach Nathan Rueter and Taylor Trame of Breese Central Girls Basketball; Steve Porter discussing the legacy of Coach Bennie Lewis of East St. Louis; and Coach Brian Madson and Lauren Flowers of Carrollton Girls Basketball.

We began this episode by recognizing Central's Girls Basketball Teams as our MESPY winners for 2A Team of the Year. Coach Nathan Rueter is back to describe his team's tenacious style, and he points out the most memorable wins from his team's incredible season. Rueter is joined in the studio by 1st Team All-State selection Taylor Trame, a 5'11' rising senior. Trame is the MESPY Winner for player of the year, and she describes herself as a "shooter," and she shares some of her goals for her last season at Central.

Next up, Hall of Fame retired sports journalist Steve Porter stops by to discuss the legacy of the late Bennie Lewis of East St. Louis Boys Basketball. "Boss" Lewis is regarded as one of the best in the history of the state, and Porter recounts some of the best games and players in Lewis's illustrious career.

Finally, we talk to Carrollton Hawks Girls Basketball Coach Brian Madson, who led his squad to the state championship game, earning the MESPY for 1A Team of the Year. Madson is joined by the 1A Player of the Year, Lauren Flowers, an Illinois State University commit for softball. Flowers discusses what she loves about basketball, winning the state championship in softball recently, and her style in both sports. Madson mentions what he'll miss about Flowers next year, and he expresses his confidence in her success at ISU.